Health Issues Prevent Nintendo's President From Attending E3

Nintendo president Satoru Iwata has to miss out on the E3 festivities this year.

The company confirmed to us that he has to miss out on the show due to health issues. Nintendo won't say what is exactly plaguing Iwata, but he's listening to his doctor's orders and not traveling overseas.

The following statement was issued to us via email. "He’s been instructed by his physician not to travel overseas in the immediate future, and so he will not be making the trip to Los Angeles," said Nintendo vice president of corporate affairs Cindy Gordon. "Please understand that it is business as usual for Mr. Iwata, and he continues his normal duties as president of Nintendo Co., Ltd. while he remains in Japan. As always, he will be actively involved in all of Nintendo's activities at the show."

Nintendo is once again opting out of a regular press conference and instead holding a digital event, where it will stream announcements.

Our TakeIt's unfortunate that Iwata can't attend the show, as this is an important year for Nintendo at E3. The Wii U needs to pick up momentum and Nintendo needs to show consumers that the system has a lot in store. Although Iwata can't be at the show, he still has a hand in the planning, so that's reassuring. I just hope whatever is plaguing him is nothing too serious.